Japan: Mini-Noah's Ark In Case Of Next Tsunami

Posted:
09/30/2011 7:26 am EDT
Updated:
11/30/2011 5:12 am EST

Cosmo Power Co. President Shoji Tanaka crawls out from a spherical earthquake and tsunami shelter "Noah" made of fiber enforced plastic at the company's factory in Hiratsuka, west of Tokyo, Friday, Sept. 30, 2011. | AP

TOKYO — A small Japanese company has developed a modern, miniature version of Noah's Ark in case Japan is hit by another massive earthquake and tsunami: a floating capsule that looks like a huge tennis ball.

Japan's Cosmo Power says its "Noah" shelter is made of enhanced fiberglass that can save users from disasters like the one on March 11 that devasted Japan's northern coast, leaving nearly 20,000 people dead or missing.

Company president Shoji Tanaka says the capsule can hold four adults, and that it has survived many crash tests. It has a small lookout window and breathing holes on top. It also can be used as a toy house for children.

The company completed the capsule earlier this month and already has 600 orders, including two delivered.